Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has admitted that Alejandro Garnacho's performances as a starter earlier this season 'were not good enough'.
The Argentina international was named in the first XI for the team's opening two matches of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, but he found it difficult to make his mark in either game.
Garnacho's next three outings came off the bench, while he was an unused substitute against Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old was back in the XI against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, though, and he found the back of the net in a 3-0 win for the Red Devils.
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Ten Hag has said that Garnacho's early-season form was not of the required standard, but the Dutchman is certain that the attacker will improve as the campaign develops.
"You have seen in the start of the season, we played him, then his contribution was not good enough," Ten Hag told reporters during his post-match press conference on Tuesday night.
"But he had also then some good actions. You see always that he always is attracting the game even when he is not playing that well.
"And he has to learn, 'When I do my job in defending, I will always have my moment.' And he will always be decisive, because he has great qualities.
"As well, it's not only off the ball, no. But also I want to see, like today, he's entering the box, he was on the right spot to finish. But I think it's quite normal, for a player of his age, that there is space for a lot of improvement.
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"I think everyone likes him, the fans like him, the team like him, I like him, but also we have to demand him and we have to push him, because he can act on a very high level but he has to show it every day."
Garnacho has now turned out on 42 occasions for Man United's first team, scoring six goals and registering five assists in the process.
The Argentine signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford back in April, and he is committed to the 20-time English champions until the summer of 2028.
Garnacho will now be hoping to keep hold of his starting role for Saturday's Premier League clash against Palace, when Man United will be looking to make it three straight wins in all competitions.
Matt Law
